Sarah
Sarah began her dance training at the age of 10 in Camden SC at The Dance Place where she studied ballet, pointe, choreography and lyrical for 8 years, eventually becoming a teacher there as well. She danced throughout North and South Carolina with the traveling theater, MorningStar Classic Biblical Theater in Columbia, SC where she was a principal dancer for 4 years. Sarah’s passion for teaching ballet began as a young teen when she was given the opportunity to begin training young students in Sumter, Bishopville, Columbia, and Camden, as well as writing and directing story Ballet productions for 5 years in her own Ballet company in Sumter, SC.
After moving to North Carolina in 2006 Sarah danced with Artistic Motion in Greensboro, NC and was offered a teaching position there, instructing upper level Ballet to teens and adults. Her passion for this rural community is for all children and teens to have the opportunity to study dance to the highest level of excellence in their home town. As a trained instructor, she believes in teaching age old technique and terminology while developing creativity and discipline in the young student. As a mom, she has seen first hand how ballet and other forms of dance help cultivate self confidence and build a well rounded child and community.
Shelby
Shelby enjoyed performing at a young age and began her formal dance training in Southern Pines, NC at Terpsichore dance studio. Along with participating in Terpsichore's semi-annual productions, she competed in talent competitions hosted by The IPHC. She created original works for herself as well as her peers’ competition pieces. She received 1st place at the National level on several occasions in Orlando and Daytona, FL for her performance and choreography.
Shelby earned her Bachelors Degree at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she majored in Dance Studies. Upon graduating with Honors, she then perused her entertainment career in Orlando, FL where she worked in the costuming department for parades and shows offered at The Walt Disney World Resort. She was also a performer in Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights for a season during her time in Florida. Now residing in NC Shelby enjoys teaching dance as well as directing and choreographing Elevate's annual productions. Shelby is newly immersed in the musical theater scene and was cast as "Morticia Addams" in the Uwharrie Player's 2024 Addams Family Musical. She loves sharing her experiences with the students at Elevate in hopes to inspire them to dream big. "Feel the fear and do it anyway"